AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Crisis (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has tabled Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB3) in Parliament, seeking to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 and lengthen MPs’ and other leaders’ terms, while critics warn it could entrench ZANU-PF power and trigger legal challenges. Court Pushback: Voters have rushed to the Constitutional Court to stop MPs from voting to extend their own terms, with dozens of applications reportedly served. Veterans’ Warning: Retired generals say Mnangagwa’s “whoever wins, wins” response shows contempt for constitutional concerns, deepening the succession fight. Health & Labour: Nurses announced a three-day protest over poor pay and deteriorating working conditions, warning they may down tools. HIV Response: NAC says Zimbabwe is on track to end AIDS by 2030, pointing to “last mile” prevention work and identifying HIV hotspots in Bulawayo suburbs. Education & Skills: ZIMTA calls for urgent teacher retooling, digital literacy and rural tech hubs to make education technology actually work. Local Development: Parents and partners in Ruwa helped commission a US$109k ECD block for about 100 learners. Business Watch: Meikles has reopened talks to sell remaining hospitality interests, including its Victoria Falls Hotel stake. Insurance Clampdown: IPEC cancelled Orchid Funeral Assurance’s licence and set a June 30 deadline for policyholders to submit claims.

Constitutional Storm (CAB3): Zanu PF’s Christopher Mutsvangwa says CAB3 will go ahead despite critics, pointing to “overwhelming” support from consultations as Parliament prepares to table the bill. Courtroom Update: Harare land fraud case—High Court acquits Brickstone Builders directors Lilian Chitanga and Spencer Mabeka, saying prosecutors failed to prove essential elements of fraud. Health & Funding: Zimbabwe’s sugar tax is already funding cancer care, with US$27m radiotherapy machines being installed at Parirenyatwa to cut treatment backlogs. HIV Progress: NAC says Zimbabwe remains on track to end AIDS by 2030, leaning more on domestic funding like the Aids Levy amid reduced partner support. Public Safety: Bulawayo intensifies its war on drugs—39 arrests in two weeks and an illegal rehab centre shut down. Sports (Unity Cup): Warriors striker Prince Dube rallies Zimbabwe to bronze at the 2026 Unity Cup after a 1-0 win over India. Energy & Regional Cooperation: SADC pushes a shared voice on SDG7 as Zimbabwe hosts Sustainable Energy Week in Victoria Falls.

Industrial Growth, Still Narrowly Based: An AfDB report says Zimbabwe’s manufacturing output has surged since 2010, with manufacturing’s GDP share rising from 9.2% to 15.5% by 2024 and value added per capita jumping to about US$399.60, but warns the base remains too concentrated for jobs and broad competitiveness. Steel Exports Boom: Zimbabwe’s steel exports jumped in Q1 2026 to 190,612 tonnes worth US$68.22m—up 150% in volume and 254% in value—fuelled by higher production and stronger regional demand. CAB3 Referendum Fight: A human rights activist has rushed to court seeking a referendum to block the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, which would extend terms and shift presidential election to MPs. ZANU-PF Defends Open Voting: Ziyambi Ziyambi says MPs will vote by show of hands to boost transparency, as CAB3 heads to Parliament. Mining Safety Alarm: ZDAMWU says 2026 is turning deadly, citing fatalities including an underground accident at Old Nick Mine and warning regulators must act, not just issue condolences. Health Breakthrough: Zimbabwe has performed its first deep brain stimulation neuromodulation surgery, marking a major step in advanced specialist care. Environment Under Pressure: Zimbabwe declared 17 river systems disaster zones, suspending mining and farming in affected corridors while critics question enforcement. Road and School Crackdowns: Police summoned drivers over CCTV-caught CBD violations, while the education minister warned parents who dodge school fees are undermining children’s right to education.

CAB3 Court Fight: Zimbabwe’s church leaders challenge the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill, but a legal analysis argues the Constitutional Court’s earlier “Mupungu” ruling already settles what counts as a term-limit provision. River Restoration Row: Chiefs say they’ve been left out of river rescue plans for 17 disaster-declared rivers, as government moves to halt illegal alluvial mining and fund rehabilitation. Debt Pressure: AfDB says Zimbabwe needs US$2.7bn bridge financing to clear IFI arrears, underlining how debt overhang is raising the cost of exiting problems. Education Scandal: Parents at Houghton Park Primary allege teachers demand “extra lessons” and homework fees, with some claims reaching US$700 a month. Cyber Rights Update: Government says it’s aligning Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection framework with an African digital rights resolution, citing constitutional protections. Sports—Unity Cup: Nigeria beat Zimbabwe’s Warriors earlier in the week and then thrashed Jamaica 3-0 in the Unity Cup final in London, with Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi scoring twice. Trade—UAE Boom: ZimStat shows the UAE took half of Zimbabwe’s export earnings in Q1 2026, cementing a fast-growing trade partnership.

Constitutional Showdown (CAB3): A human rights activist has rushed to court to block Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill, arguing key changes—like extending presidential and parliamentary terms and shifting to an MP-chosen president—need a national referendum. Water Crisis: Zimbabwe’s rivers are being declared in disaster after years of mining choking waterways, with critics warning past “paper bans” never stopped the damage. Agriculture & Soil: Farmers are urged to invest in sustainable soil management as fertility declines threaten yields, while wider calls push for better soil testing and support. Energy Deal: Government signed a petroleum production sharing agreement for the Cabora Bassa Basin, positioning Muzarabani gas/oil prospects as a major industrial boost. Local Governance & Housing: Evicted Warwick Farm families in Zvimba are left sleeping in the open after demolitions, reigniting anger over land and court processes. Business & Innovation: TN Livestock Trust says it will tokenise cattle for easier investment access, while SMEs are told customer experience—not just price—will decide survival. Sports (Unity Cup): Zimbabwe beat India 1-0 in the third-place play-off in London, with the wider Unity Cup campaign ending in disappointment for the Blue Tigers.

Unity Cup Football: Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Jamaica 3-0 to retain the Unity Cup at The Valley, with Alhassan Yusuf scoring early and again, and Terem Moffi adding the second as the tournament’s spotlight stays on African teams. Zimbabwe Sports & Talent: Zimbabwe’s Warriors finished third after a 1-0 win over India, while grassroots cricket in Kwekwe set an Under-13 T10 festival for August 18 at Redcliff Primary School to grow young talent. National Culture & Creative Economy: Bulawayo creatives are shifting from street stages to smartphone studios as National Culture Month pushes culture into a more revenue-driven creative economy. National Heroes: Brig-Gen (Rtd) Donald Silundi Tshuma’s burial is set for Wednesday at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, with body movements and ceremonies scheduled across Bulawayo and Harare. Local Development: Zvishavane Town Council says it’s upgrading transport, expanding schools and improving services to support growth. Governance Debate: Opposition leader Henry Mutasa promises a USD 600 minimum wage if elected, while debate continues over CAB3 and how MPs would choose a president.

Unity Cup Football: Zimbabwe’s Warriors bowed out after a 2-0 loss to Nigeria, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice; attention now turns to the London final where Nigeria face Jamaica. Diplomacy: President Mnangagwa received credentials from Qatar’s envoy, signalling continued Harare–Doha ties. Public Health & Labour: Zimbabwe joined the global call for “One Million More Midwives,” highlighting shortages and the need for better training, pay and retention. Security: A new specialised anti-drugs unit has been activated to target trafficking networks after concerns some structures were compromised. Roads & Safety: Outrage is growing over the Harare–Chirundu Highway, branded a “death trap” as road deterioration fuels fatal crashes. Environment & Heritage: CIO officers are accused of questioning Victoria Falls activist Benjamin Norton over his court challenge on commercial developments near the World Heritage site. Economy & Forex: Delta Corporation disputes a US$97m Zimra tax assessment, warning that uncertainty in tax interpretation is hurting investor confidence. Culture: Mbende Jerusarema dance takes centre stage at Mashonaland East Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals.

Women’s Cricket: Zimbabwe will host South Africa Women for a historic five-match T20I series at Queens Sports Club in September (Sept 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19), the first-ever T20I series between the sides in Zimbabwe. Sports (Unity Cup): Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria are ready to defend the Unity Cup title against Jamaica in Saturday’s final in London, after beating Zimbabwe 2-0 with debutant Femi Azeez’s brace. Local Politics: ZAPU is confident ahead of the Tsholotsho Ward 10 by-election, framing it as a chance to reject corruption and restore accountable leadership. Border Security/Drugs: A Beitbridge-linked methaqualone (ABBA) bust saw three Malawian nationals arrested after a truck was scanned and dismantled for eight hours; the case was postponed to next Friday amid questions over a big valuation discrepancy. Education & Skills: Government is pushing TVET as teacher enrolment drops, while Zimbabwe also prepares to host Africa Skills Week focused on skills for resilient industries. Public Health/Environment: Parliament debated Zimbabwe’s sewage crisis, with Minister Anxious Masuka pointing to local authorities’ service delivery failures. Climate Resilience: UNDP says a resilience programme under ZRBF 2 will support 450,000 people across seven districts until 2028. Industry: The leather sector is being urged to feed into a State of the Industry report to guide value-add policy.

Constitutional Showdown: Human rights activist Youngerson Matete has taken CAB3 to the High Court, arguing key clauses must go to a national referendum before they can be enacted. Parliament Watch: Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi says CAB3 adoption processes are nearing completion, with Parliament set to resume and formal steps expected soon. Sports Tourism Boost: Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed a historic five-match women’s T20I series vs South Africa in September at Queens Sports Club, with matches on 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19. Unity Cup Fallout: Zimbabwe’s Warriors face India in the Unity Cup third-place playoff after losing 2-0 to Nigeria, while Nigeria and Jamaica set up the final. Road Safety Pressure: Residents are demanding urgent repairs to the Harare–Chirundu “death trap” highway after a surge in fatal crashes and delays. Business & Markets: TSL seeks to delist from the ZSE on June 26 ahead of listing on VFEX, as investor appetite shifts toward US-dollar assets. Energy & Policy Costs: Research warns Zimbabwe could be losing up to US$4.3m monthly after fuel tax recalibrations tied to global oil shocks. Crime & Borders: South Africa intercepted a nearly R1bn methaqualone shipment at Beitbridge, arresting three Malawians. Mining & Jobs: ZCDC appointed Dennis Mtombeni as CEO from July 1, while lithium beneficiation continues to attract major processing investment.

Unity Cup Football: Nigeria beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi-final as Femi Azeez scored twice on his debut, setting up a Saturday final against Jamaica after Jamaica also edged India 2-0; Zimbabwe coach Kaitano Tembo said the Warriors could have defended better and will regroup for the third-place playoff. Women’s Cricket: Mary-Anne Musonda returns to Zimbabwe Women’s cricket as Team Manager, tasked with helping rebuild a stronger national side. Road Safety: President Mnangagwa warned of a “bloody trail” after fatal crashes killed 24 people in five days, including a Gokwe–Kwekwe Road bus and truck collision that left 10 dead, and ordered faster road maintenance. Governance & Rights: A Tsholotsho teacher dismissed over alleged placard activism has taken her case to the Labour Court, challenging the Public Service Commission’s decision. Politics & Succession: Leaked audio claims about Tagwirei’s influence and 2030 succession sparked fresh debate, while Mnangagwa’s nephew Pearson Mbalekwa was expelled from ZANU-PF for resisting the “2030 agenda.” Economy & Social Policy: Government says gambling taxes will be ring-fenced to fund anti-drug programmes, and Zimbabwe’s coffee exports rose 59% to US$1m, driven by smallholder farmers. Land & Property: MRP warns title deeds revalidation could rob vulnerable families in Matabeleland. Sports Culture: A controversy erupted after a cameraman called for Winky D to be banned from airplay, drawing backlash over censorship.

Education & Skills: ZIMTA says teachers need digital literacy and rural tech hubs, not gadgets alone, as NESZ 2026 pushes “from policy to practice.” Digital Economy: Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Government will set up a Software Developer Skills Development Hub under Smart Zimbabwe and AI plans. Food Security & Climate: ICRISAT urges re-positioning irrigation schemes as rural bio-economy hubs to strengthen circular food systems. Agriculture Policy: SADC officials in Victoria Falls discuss how cyclones Idai, Freddy and Gezani are forcing stronger adaptation and recovery planning. Land & Justice: MRP warns Matabeleland title deeds revalidation could target vulnerable families; in Harare, two land dealers linked to Marimba housing fraud are acquitted. Crime & Borders: Beit Bridge authorities seize R1bn mandrax ingredients and arrest suspects. Sports (Unity Cup): Zimbabwe’s Warriors face India in the London third-place playoff after both teams’ semi-final setbacks, with Warriors seeking redemption. Health Law: Civil society pushes Parliament for a teen reproductive health law allowing access for under-18s based on maturity.

Mining Justice Push: African church leaders in Botswana are calling for stronger land rights, environmental accountability and informed consent as critical minerals reshape the continent’s energy transition. Agriculture Markets: Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) says its May 6 auction traded 3,200MT of commodities worth US$1.28m, signalling growing confidence in structured farm-to-buyer trading. Gold Investment Update: Ariana Resources lifted Dokwe Gold Project’s valuation to about US$7.2bn after a 13% rise in its resource estimate. Mobile Money Shift: TN CyberTech and EcoCash launched ATM integration for 24/7 cash-in and cash-out, reducing reliance on agents. Judicial Milestone: NPAZ hailed Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza’s elevation as a historic win for gender equality in Zimbabwe’s courts. Politics & CAB3: CCC’s Tshabangu faction hinted it may support CAB3 but wants negotiations and concessions, warning against a “blank cheque.” Security & Courts: A Gweru man was jailed 30 years for the brutal murder of his wife. Economy Pressure: ZIMSTAT reports USD monthly inflation easing to 0.3% in May, but prices are still rising. Sports Spotlight: Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final with Femi Azeez scoring twice, setting up the final.

Unity Cup Shock: Zimbabwe’s Warriors started Kaitano Tembo’s era with a 0-2 loss to Nigeria at The Valley as Femi Azeez scored twice on debut, sending the Super Eagles into the final and leaving Tembo with a quick turnaround for the third-place play-off. Coaching Focus: Eric Chelle praised Nigeria’s fast cohesion but still flagged issues—especially intensity and pressing—while also noting Azeez’s technical lapses despite the goals. Domestic Football Fallout: Off the pitch, Zimbabwean football took another hit after Hardrock vs Dynamos at Chahwanda Stadium was abandoned amid violence; Hardrock suspended CEO Kudzanai Hove and police arrested four others, while Bulawayo councillors also warned about outsider-dominated tenders. Economy Watch: ZIMSTAT says USD inflation rose to 2.8% in May (from 2.2% in April). Politics & Rights: Debate over CAB3 continues, with Thabo Mbeki warning against term-limit changes, and Zimbabwe’s churches renewing their pushback on constitutional amendments.

Tobacco Economy Watch: Zimbabwe is “highly concentrated” in tobacco, with the crop taking about 10–15% of agricultural GDP, and exports surging 62.3% in volume and 67.5% in value between 2025 and 2026, as China remains the main buyer; the government says a 2026–2030 Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan targets 500 million kg output and a $7bn industry by 2030. Immigration & Permits: Home Affairs is holding nationwide public consultations on Zimbabwean and Lesotho Exemption Permits, stressing court-ordered, inclusive decision-making after earlier legal challenges. Sports Shockwave: Nigeria crushed Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice to book the Eagles’ final spot. Inflation Update: ZiG annual inflation eased to 4.4% in May (from 4.8% in April), with month-on-month also down. Football Violence Crackdown: Police arrested Hardrock FC CEO Kudzanai Hove over Chahwanda Stadium crowd violence, while government condemned the unrest and warned it threatens Zimbabwe’s push to host international football.

Unity Cup Focus: Nigeria’s Eric Chelle says the London semi-final vs Zimbabwe is mainly a chance to test new faces—“this is not a present”—as Francis Uzoho is tipped to captain in the absence of Ndidi and Moses Simon, with several other Super Eagles players listed doubtful. Africa Day at Panyatsime: Chitungwiza’s Panyatsime Cultural and Heritage Centre brought pupils and elders together for music, storytelling and heritage lessons to reconnect youth with African identity. Kruger Killings Drag On: In South Africa, the manhunt continues after a tourist couple was found stabbed and dumped in a croc-infested river, while SANParks tightens security. Mining Tragedy: One person died in a How Mine incident in Bulawayo, with investigations underway. Dokwe Gold Update: Ariana Resources upgraded its Dokwe PFS, lifting ore reserves and projecting a pre-tax NPV above $1bn. Retail Pressure: Pick n Pay warns Zimbabwe’s formal retail is worsening as liquidity and costs bite.

Unity Cup Build-Up: Nigeria’s Super Eagles head into Tuesday’s Unity Cup semi-final vs Zimbabwe at The Valley with Eric Chelle leaning on a fresh mix of home-based and Europe-based players, while Chelle insists Zimbabwe are “a great team” and warns the last meetings didn’t reflect Nigeria’s dominance. Football Governance: In Zimbabwe, the Premier Soccer League and ZIFA are reacting to the Hardrock FC vs Dynamos chaos at Chahwanda Stadium—four men have been arrested, the match was abandoned, and police are now probing how nearly 5,000 fans were left outside before violence spilled onto the pitch. Sports-Global Spotlight: The Unity Cup has also been upgraded to FIFA Tier 1 status, boosting its international profile as India and Jamaica complete the semi-final line-up in London. Public Safety: Separately, South Africa’s Limpopo police say they’re on high alert ahead of planned anti-foreigner protests, with Zimbabweans urged to stay vigilant. Culture & Community: Harare’s Carpe Diem Episode 4 and Bulawayo’s Africa Rising showcase keep Africa Day energy high, with big crowds and international acts.